28 Apr 2016

WHISPER TO ME

Author: Nick LakeSource: eARC via the PublisherPublisher: Bloomsbury Children'sPublicationDate: May 3, 2016Rating: 4/5 starsSummary:A remarkable story of strange beauty and self-discovery from Printz Award winner Nick Lake.Cassie is writing a letter to the boy whose heart she broke. She’s trying to explain why. Why she pushed him away. Why her father got so angry when he saw them together. Why she disappears some nights. Why she won’t let herself remember what happened that long-ago night on the boardwalk. Why she fell apart so completely.Desperate for his forgiveness, she’s telling the whole story of the summer she nearly lost herself. She’s hoping he’ll understand as well as she now does how love—love for your family, love for that person who makes your heart beat faster, and love for yourself—can save you after all.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was an emotional read for me. I always have a hard time reading about mental illness and characters with mental illness. I think Lake did this justice and really just created a wonderful portrayal of everything that goes along with dealing with a mental illness: the wanting to get better, the not doing everything you're supposed to, the lies you tell because you're a little ashamed. I think it was all done wonderfully.

27 Apr 2016

MYSTIQUE by Shari Arnold!

I have a review of the book for you today plus you can win a $10 Amazon GC and a copy of the book!

MYSTIQUE

Author: Shari ArnoldPublisher: CreatespacePublicationDate: November 17, 2015Rating: 4.5/5 starsSummary:Only Bauer Grant can pull off gorgeous while dead. But staying dead is another thing entirely. When he wakes up at his own funeral, the town of Mystique calls it a miracle, until it happens again. Something is bringing the residents of Mystique back to life, but what? Presley Caine finds herself caught up in the mystery when Bauer asks her to visit him. Presley can’t figure out why the most popular guy in school is so drawn to her. And when Bauer is kidnapped soon after, she looks to Bauer’s brooding best friend Sam, whose dad works for the powerful Mystique military base, for answers. In her quest to discover the truth, Presley’s relationship with Sam deepens, her feelings for Bauer are tested, and it becomes clear that her own mysterious past is somehow connected to these strange events. But is she strong enough to handle the truth when it is finally revealed?

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.I really enjoyed this one. I liked the mystery and the intrigue. It felt like an episode of X-Files and I love that show. I think the plot, the characters, and everything really meshed well together. I just wasn't a fan of the pacing at some points and I thought some of the supporting characters were a little over the top.

25 Apr 2016

GOLDEN BOYS

Author: Sonya HarnettSource: eARC via the PublisherPublisher: Candlewick PressPublicationDate: April 12, 2016Rating: 3/5 starsSummary:With masterful nuance and vividly drawn characters, Sonya Hartnett’s novel visits a suburban neighborhood where psychological menace lurks below the surface.Colt Jenson and his younger brother, Bastian, have moved to a new, working-class suburb. The Jensons are different. Their father, Rex, showers them with gifts — toys, bikes, all that glitters most — and makes them the envy of the neighborhood. To the local kids, the Jensons are a family out of a movie, and Rex a hero — successful, attentive, attractive, always there to lend a hand. But to Colt he's an impossible figure: unbearable, suffocating. Has Colt got Rex wrong, or has he seen something in his father that will destroy their fragile new lives? This brilliant and unflinching new novel reveals internationally acclaimed author Sonya Hartnett at her most intriguing and psychologically complex.

24 Apr 2016

WATER'S WRATH by Elise Kova

blog tour where we are creating fun things to celebrate the series!

We have seen movie castings, nail art, and Pokemon casting, so check out the rest of the tour down below. I'm bringing you a post today about the Northern Lifestyle! It'll feature what the North looks like and a couple recipes for some goodies inspired by the North!

But first, let's learn about the book...

WATER'S WRATH

The Solaris Empire found victory in the North and, at the cost of her heart and her innocence, Vhalla Yarl has earned her freedom. But the true fight is only beginning as the secret forces that have been lurking in the shadows, tugging at the strings of Vhalla’s fate, finally come to light. Nowhere is safe, and Vhalla must tread carefully or else she’ll fall into the waiting arms of her greatest foe. Or former lover.

The Northern Lifestyle

The North is rich and lush, filled with big ass trees and houses that join together amongst them. The capital of Shaldan is Soricium which is said to be the birthplace of the world, especially in terms of magic. The North is known for GROUNDBREAKERS, who have control over the earth. They can create new structures from the earth and have stone skin, making their Achilles Heel their eyes. The Groundbreakers are most notable for having healing abilities, which we see through Elecia in the Air Awakens Series!

22 Apr 2016

Hello friends! I have a fun and exciting post for you today because I get to feature the cover for

CONTRIBUTE by Kristy Acevedo!

This is the sequel to CONSIDER, which released on Tuesday that I absolutely LOVED. You can read my full review of CONSIDER but highlights of it include: good representation for mental health and had a great Sci-Fi vibe to it that I couldn't put it down while reading! I am really excited for the cover and *may* have squealed when I saw it because it's SO PERFECT. At the bottom is a US/Canada Giveaway for a signed copy of CONSIDER and a bookmark, so keep scrolling! Without further ado, let's get to that cover...

21 Apr 2016

I have a review of the book for you plus there is a giveaway at the bottom that you can enter! But first let's learn more about the book...

NOBODY'S LADY

Author: Amy McNultySeries: Never Veil #2Source: eARC via the Publisher Publisher: Month9BooksPublication Date: April 12, 2016Rating: 4/5 stars Summary:For the first time in a thousand years, the men in Noll’s village possess the freedom to love whom they will. In order to give each man the chance to fully explore his feelings, the lord of the village decrees all marriages null and void until both spouses declare their love for one another and their desire to wed again. What many women think will be a simple matter becomes a source of village-wide tension as most men decide to leave their families and responsibilities behind.

Rejected by the lord and ashamed of her part in the village’s history, Noll withdraws from her family and lives life as an independent woodcarver. This changes when her sister accuses her of hiding her former husband Jurij from her—and when Jurij eventually does ask to move in. Determined not to make the same mistakes, Noll decides to support her male friends through their new emotional experiences, but she’s soon caught up in a darker plot than she ever dared imagine possible from the men she thought she knew so well. And the lord for whom she still has feelings may be hiding the most frightening truth of them all.

WARNING! This is the SECOND book in the series! You can see my review of the first book, NOBODY'S GODDESS. I do my best to be spoiler free but ... it's pretty hard with this one tbh. Be cautious!Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this one, more than NOBODY'S GODDESS, actually. This is well on it's way to becoming one of my favourite series because there is such a good overlap of great characters, romance, and magic that I am actively wanting more of all three rather than less of any of them. I like the way McNulty writes and the tone of this book: fear but hope wrapped up in a bit of anger and resentment. It came across quite nicely and I would recommend this series to anyone who wants to see what it means to really have a choice in how your life plays out.

20 Apr 2016

Today I am shining a spotlight on the book and at the bottom of this post you can win LOTS OF THINGS, so keep scrolling!

EMERGE

Author: Tobie EastonSeries: Mer Chronicles #1Publisher: Month9BooksPublication Date: April 19, 2016Summary:Lia Nautilus may be a Mermaid but she’s never lived in the ocean. War has ravaged the seven seas ever since the infamous Little Mermaid unleashed a curse that stripped Mer of their immortality. Lia has grown up in a secret community of land-dwelling Mer hidden among Malibu’s seaside mansions. Her biggest problems are surviving P.E. and keeping her feelings for Clay Ericson in check. Sure, he’s gorgeous in that cocky, leather jacket sort of way and makes her feel like there’s a school of fish swimming in her stomach, but getting involved with a human could put Lia's entire community at risk.

19 Apr 2016

CRYSTAL CROWNED by Elise Kova!

As you know, I am a huge fan of this series and I am once again happy to be able to share the wonderful cover of this fifth -- and FINAL -- book with you guys. This is probably my favourite of the series so I hope all y'all love it! There is also a giveaway at the bottom to win a print of one of the covers, so make sure you enter that! For my blogoversary in a couple weeks, I will also be giving away an Air Awakens themed prize, so watch for that my lovelies!

17 Apr 2016

Hello and welcome to my Sunday Street Team post, as hosted by Nori of ReadWriteLove28, for UNICORN TRACKS by Julia Ember! Today I have a super awesome Guest Post for you about a Day in the Life at White Smoke Safari Lodge, full of insights and pictures! As well, there is a giveaway at the bottom, so keep scrolling for the goodies! But first let's learn more about the book...

UNICORN TRACKS

Author: Julia Ember

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press

Publication Date: April 21, 2016

Summary:

After a savage attack drives her from her home, sixteen-year-old Mnemba finds a place in her cousin Tumelo’s successful safari business, where she quickly excels as a guide. Surrounding herself with nature and the mystical animals inhabiting the savannah not only allows Mnemba’s tracking skills to shine, it helps her to hide from the terrible memories that haunt her.

Mnemba is employed to guide Mr. Harving and his daughter, Kara, through the wilderness as they study unicorns. The young women are drawn to each other, despite that fact that Kara is betrothed. During their research, they discover a conspiracy by a group of poachers to capture the Unicorns and exploit their supernatural strength to build a railway. Together, they must find a way to protect the creatures Kara adores while resisting the love they know they can never indulge.

Purchase:

Amazon | Chapters | TBD

Welcome, Friends.

I am Tumelo Nzeogwu, owner and founder of the White Smoke Safari Lodge. Here, we have a simple moto: Dangerous Days and Decadent Nights. We believe every day you spend in Nazwimbe should be an adventure, filled with (controlled) risks and exciting encounters. But in the evenings, you should have a luxurious place to relax and feel at home.

We employ the best guides in the country and close encounters with griffins, chimeras and unicorns are almost guaranteed.

For as long as you are staying with us, our home is your home. Let me show you around?

Tumelo Nzeogwu

We work hard here at White Smoke to make sure your accommodation reflects the very best Nazwimbe has to offer. During your stay, your spacious hut will be furnished with items made locally.

CONSIDER

Summary:As if Alexandra Lucas’ anxiety disorder isn’t enough, mysterious holograms suddenly appear from the sky, heralding the end of the world. They bring an ultimatum: heed the warning and step through a portal-like vertex to safety, or stay and be destroyed by a comet they say is on a collision course with earth. How’s that for senior year stress?

The holograms, claiming to be humans from the future, bring the promise of safety. But without the ability to verify their story, Alex is forced to consider what is best for her friends, her family, and herself.

To stay or to go. A decision must be made.

With the deadline of the holograms’ prophecy fast approaching, Alex feels as though she is living on a ticking time bomb, until she discovers it is much, much worse.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.With
the synopsis -- and the holograms -- telling everyone to make a choice,
I spent the whole novel weighing my options. Which made it a really fun
and engaging read for me. I put myself into Alex's shoes and thought
"What would I do in this situation?" At the end, when it was do or die, I
had made the decision to stay. When you read the book, you should try
this and see which decision is the right one. To stay or to go.

14 Apr 2016

Anyone who follows my updates on Goodreads and/or Twitter knows I listen to a lot of audiobooks. And honestly, I would listen to every book as an audiobook if I had the opportunity (and the money. Man are they expensive). I am here today to sell you on audiobooks and list the pros and cons of them! Hopefully this helps you decide if you want to try them out!

13 Apr 2016

Hello my friends, I am here to update you on the books I have completed for ARC April as of Wednesday, April 13th. This encompasses the first two weeks of April and I am very happy to report that I have done wonderfully in ticking off books that I should have read a while ago but never got to. Thanks to Shelly and Octavia from Read. Sleep. Repeat. for hosting because this is VERY HELPFUL. Hopefully none of these books carry over to ARC August....

12 Apr 2016

Today I have a character profile of Robbie so you can learn a little bit more about him! I take personal insult to the answer to #3 because there is no way Team USA would beat Team Canada. USA would probably lose to Russia again. #sorrynotsorry

JERKBAIT

Author: Mia SiegertPublisher: Jolly Fish PressPublicationDate: May 3, 2016Summary:Even though they're identical, Tristan isn't close to his twin Robbie at all—until Robbie tries to kill himself. Forced to share a room to prevent Robbie from hurting himself, the brothers begin to feel the weight of each other's lives on the ice, and off. Tristan starts seeing his twin not as a hockey star whose shadow Tristan can't escape, but a struggling gay teen terrified about coming out in the professional sports world. Robbie's future in the NHL is plagued by anxiety and the mounting pressure from their dad, coach, and scouts, while Tristan desperately fights to create his own future, not as a hockey player but a musical theatre performer. As their season progresses and friends turn out to be enemies, Robbie finds solace in an online stranger known only as “Jimmy2416.” Between keeping Robbie's secret and saving him from taking his life, Tristan is given the final call: sacrifice his dream for a brother he barely knows, or pursue his own path. How far is Robbie willing to go—and more importantly, how far is Tristan willing to go to help him?

8 Apr 2016

On March 28th, I went to the Penguin Teen on Tour event in Brampton, Ontario where I saw the panel of authors discuss their new releases and generally their writing habits. On this tour was Allison Goodman, Sabaa Tahir, Rachel Hawkins, April Genevieve Tulchoke, and debut author, Alwyn Hamilton. It was so great to meet all these amazing authors in person! Also be sure to continue down to the bottom because I have a giveaway for you guys!

Out of all the events I have been to this was one of the most informative in terms of writing habits and the process behind author's books.I was really there for Alwyn Hamilton, author of REBEL OF THE SANDS. Alwyn discussed how she wanted to write about a girl who had the superior skills to a man in something that is typically seen as a "man's thing" that wasn't so much about strength, thus sharpshooting. She also discussed how she researched her novel where she took some folklore from the Arabian Peninsulas to shape her story because that is how the "common" folk would live rather than reading history text which would be how the high class citizens lived. She, like Sabaa, liked that she didn't have to stick too much to what she found because if something didn't quite work, she could change it a bit; however, she said she was careful to make sure the stories she used were still able to be seen and recognized as those stories because she didn't want to appropriate them as her own.

Celestine North lives a perfect life. She's a model daughter and sister, she's well-liked by her classmates and teachers, and she's dating the impossibly charming Art Crevan.

But then Celestine encounters a situation where she makes an instinctive decision. She breaks a rule. And now faces life-changing repercussions.

She could be imprisoned. She could be branded. She could be found FLAWED.

In her breathtaking young adult debut, bestselling author Cecelia Ahern depicts a society where obedience is paramount and rebellion is punished. And where one young woman decides to take a stand that could cost her-everything.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.I thought this one would be ah-mazing. I loved The Scarlet Letter and Divergent so I was all over getting a copy of this when it was offered to me in advance, but to be honest I'm kind of glad that I read it now and didn't spend the money on it. I had so many issues with how this world was set up and the actual plot line. I did like that there wasn't heavy romance but there was the foundation for it with two people and neither of them were really IN the story? Like we got minimal Art at the beginning and then he dropped off the face of the Earth and don't even get me started on Carrick. You can just read my status updates on all that hot mess business.

About Jamie

Jamie is a 20-something blogger from Ontario, Canada who loves to read, binge watch TV shows, and play video games in her spare time. She can be found in the wilds of Windsor-Essex County, but mostly stays in her apartment curled up with a cup of tea and a good book. Need a physical mailing address?

About Jamie

Jamie is a 20-something blogger from Ontario, Canada who loves to read, binge watch TV shows, and play video games in her spare time. She can be found in the wilds of Windsor-Essex County, but mostly stays in her apartment curled up with a cup of tea and a good book. Need a physical mailing address?